Even without the guidance of County Judge Executive Berlin Moore, the Trigg County Project Development Board covered a number of topics at their August 9 meeting

On the agenda was discussion of hiring a construction management firm to oversee contracts for the new Justice Center, the 911 and sheriff’s relocation from the current courthouse, re-trafficking Court and Monroe Streets, cost overruns from construction, and matters of interior decorating.

The meeting was presided over by attorney C.A. “Woody” Woodall III, with Moore being absent due to a death in the family. A moment of silence was observed in memoriam.

Vying to become the project’s construction management company was Hopkinsville-based BMAR & Associates Construction. Representing BMAR was Terry Hanby, the company’s president.

Hanby touted his firm’s reputation with large governmental contracts, citing the construction of schools. Department of Defense Facilities, and working for law enforcement. “We designed a mother and baby unit at the hospital at Ft. Stewart. It was a $15 million contract. We’ve managed an INS detention facility in Miami, FL.”

An advantage cited by Hanby is BMAR’s facility maintenance program after construction. “We’re not only a construction company but a facility maintenance company too. We understand functionality. We do maintenance and custodial work at Christian Co. facilities, including Head Start and the IRS.”

Hanby’s interest in the Trigg County State Justice Center was more than professional. “I live in Trigg County. This is my community and I love it. I would drive by every day to look at the project. We would be good citizens and put money back into the economy of Trigg County.”

Safety was also addressed by Hanby. “We will do all that is humanly possible to ensure no one is injured on the job.”

Circuit Court Judge Bill Cunningham asked Hanby what the advantages of opting for a construction manager in lieu of a general contractor, to subcontract work to other firms.

“A construction Manager works for you on the site and keeps you involved in the process. We protect our customers and get the best deal from subcontractors while overseeing the process. In the case of the Christian Co. Justice Center, the building was cheaper than expected,” said Hanby.

With maintenance from BMAR, according to Hanby, 25 year-old buildings “do not look 25 years-old with a long term maintenance plan. It protects the investment.”

After Hanby’s presentation, Woodall asked for a motion to consider hiring a construction management group by moving into executive session, though the issue was tabled until 4:30 P.M. August 23, due to Moore’s absence.

Architect Dennis Arthur’s current plans for the site called for the razing of the former Trigg County Jail for use as a parking lot. The Trigg County Fiscal Court has not broached the topic in any previous meetings.

Kevin Stroud referred to previous discussions with County Jailer Glenn Cunningham stating that the jail may be used as a holding facility for intoxicated prisoners.

Judge Cunningham responded that the Commonwealth Department of Corrections had prohibited the use of the facility for prisoner detention.